Preparing for the Hearing
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Q2.1
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What should I do to prepare for the
hearing?
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A2.1
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You should read the Hearing File and make sure
it contains everything you need to help your case. If
you have a Representative, go over the Hearing File with that person. Be sure to get any additional
information you will need to support your position before
the hearing. See How
to Appeal.
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Q2.2
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How do I find out about the legislation
that affects my appeal?
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A2.2
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If you have questions, contact
the Office of the Commissioner of Review Tribunals for
assistance, or visit these web sites for more information:
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Q2.3
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The papers you sent me aren't complete.
I've sent more than this to the Department. Where are
they?
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A2.3
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We sent you all of the papers we received from Social
Development
Canada. Call
your Client Service Officer to tell us which
papers are missing. We will contact SDC to find
out what happened.
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Q2.4
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I have been waiting for a long time.
When will my appeal be heard?
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A2.4
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Although we were not involved when you made your application
for benefits, we will do our best to make sure that
everything moves quickly for your appeal to the Review
Tribunal. It usually takes about six to eight months
from the time we receive your appeal request for a hearing
to be held and for you to receive a decision (see Timeframe).
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Q2.5
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What if I need to change my Hearing
date?
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A2.5
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Once you receive your hearing date, you have two weeks
to call
your Client Service Officer and explain any difficulties
with the date. We will try to reschedule.
If it is more than two weeks after you received your
hearing date, we may not agree to change the date or
time of the hearing. If you do not go to the hearing,
the Review Tribunal may decide to go ahead without you.
Call
your Client Service Officer to discuss your situation.
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Q2.6
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I have new information. What should
I do?
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A2.6
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If you have more information that you want the Tribunal
to consider at your hearing, mail or fax a copy to
our office
at least 30 days before the hearing.
If the new information is gathered within 30 days of the hearing, bring five copies of the new information to your hearing. The copies are for you, each Tribunal Member
and the representative from Social Development Canada. |
Q2.7
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I just found a Representative, but
my hearing is next week. What should I do?
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A2.7
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Let us know right away by calling
your Client Service Officer. Send us your Authorization
to Disclose Form. You also should be sure to give
your new Representative all the information we have
sent you, as well as any new information you have given
to us, so that person can be well prepared for the hearing.
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Q2.8
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What do I have to bring to the hearing?
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A2.8
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You or your Representative should bring the Hearing File that we sent you. If you want the Tribunal
members to look at any other papers that you did not
get a chance to send to us ahead of time, bring four
copies of each paper and a copy for yourself.
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Q2.9
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What if I need an interpreter or assistant?
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A2.9
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If you are nervous or need physical assistance at your
hearing, you may bring someone with you to help, such
as a friend or family member.
If you need help to represent yourself and present
your case at the hearing, you may have a Representative.
For more information about using a Representative, see
Decide
whether you want a Representative.
Hearings are held in English or French. If you are not comfortable in either of these languages, let your OCRT Client Service Officer know and the OCRT will arrange and pay to have a professional interpreter at your hearing to translate or provide other services
(such as signing) if required.
Friends or family members are not permitted to interpret at a Review Tribunal hearing.
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